German Ski Federation to introduce the Laura Dahlmeier Award

The German Ski Federation (DSV) has announced it will introduce a Laura Dahlmeier Award in memory of the late biathlon great. DSV board member Stefan Schwarzbach told the German Press Agency that the federation took deliberate time to consider an appropriate way to honor Dahlmeier “as an exceptional athlete, but above all as a special person.”

Beginning next year, the award will be presented to an outstanding junior athlete within the DSV. Importantly, it will not be limited to biathlon; it is explicitly open to all winter sport disciplines under the DSV umbrella. Schwarzbach said the federation coordinated the plans with Dahlmeier’s parents, who support the initiative.

Laura Dahlmeier, a two-time Olympic biathlon champion and seven-time world champion, died on July 28 in a climbing accident at Laila Peak. Although she had retired from racing, she remained a prominent presence as a television expert at many Biathlon World Cups. Schwarzbach acknowledged that the upcoming winter would be emotionally difficult for many in the community, who associate numerous venues and events with Dahlmeier and shared experiences.

The piece also links to related coverage of tributes within German sport and politics following her death, and to recent biathlon features and videos reflecting on the 2024/25 season.